Malawi, Zambia to cooperate to boost tourism sector

Malawi and Zambia are set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at boosting the tourism sector in the two neighbouring countries.

Director of tourism in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism Isaac Katopola said this in an interview in Lilongwe on Friday on the sidelines of an exhibition by the two countries showcasing tourism products to corporate and leisure travellers.

“Zambia and Malawi share tourism resources, and exhibitions such as these cement the network that is already there because tour operators, accommodation units and even airlines come together to brainstorm on how they can improve their working relationship.

“Our proximity with Zambia means that we should closely work together and soon we will be signing an MoU which will cement the relationship. In fact, the drafts for the MoU are ready and what is remaining is for a date to be set for signing,” he said.

Katopola said the new MoU will complement the Nyika, Malawi-Zambia Trans Frontier Treaty which has been in existence for some years and has helped in tourism growth and investment in the two countries.

He said the combined resources of Zambia and Malawi can put the two countries in the global limelight because they can sell themselves as a package.

Ulendo Travel Group director for corporate and leisure trade Kisa Mwalweni, whose company was one of the exhibitors, said they organised the event to enlighten clients on the products that are on offer in the two countries.

“In Zambia, there is an area known as Mfuwe which is a popular destination while here in Malawi, we have our beautiful lake. As Ulendo Group, we are trying to market more but as a country we need to do much more,” he said.

Malawi and Zambia have popular tourists’ destinations but some tourists recently complained that the charges in the two countries are on the higher side.